The auction for this Toyota 4Runner is wrapping up shortly, and is listed in a no reserve format – a surprise for such a desirable specimen. These first-generation 4Runners show no sign of slowing down value-wise, and the rising appreciation for vintage four wheel drives of every stripe will likely impact other models of this era as well. The 4Runner features an attractive color combo with its original factory decals still in place, and no signs of modifications. Mileage is just under 125,000 and according to the seller, the paint is completely original and the hard top has never been removed. Find it here on eBay with bidding at $12,100.
The color combo is what I really dig about this example, as by now we’re used to seeing the 4Runner in white, gray, and black. While red was still a fairly popular option, it just seems to pop up less frequently. As a brand, Toyota surprises me when it comes to the enthusiast crowd, just in terms of how popular their older models are. Personally, I’ve found myself increasingly interested in the enthusiast-friendly models from the company’s late 80s lineup, even more so than the typical darling of Japanese vintage cars, Honda. While modern-day Toyota is about as vanilla as you can get, the late 80s was a wonderful time to be a Toyota owner – turbocharged Celicas, Marty McFly’s pickup, and four wheel drive Corolla wagons.
Today’s Toyota is not about those oddball specials loaded up with desirable equipment – it’s a rental car counter with the option to build your own. Sure, the Supra exists, but it’s hardly lit enthusiasts’ hearts on fire. The 4Runner seen here, with its crank windows and cloth upholstery, is wonderfully simple, and the epitome of what a 4×4 with actual off-road capabilities should look like inside. No leather, no hi-fi audio, no power functions (aside from the most basic necessities.) I would allow for the optional and highly rare electronic auxiliary gauge pod that sits atop the dashboard, however.
The seller claims this 4Runner has been garaged since new, and it certainly appears that way with minimal wear to the front seats and a backseat that looks virtually unused. I wonder how popular this era of the 4Runner was with empty nesters, as the lack of rear doors makes it inconvenient if you have children and the adventurous retirees would likely love knowing they could pack up and go anywhere at a moment’s notice. The fact that the hardtop has never been off is another tell-take sign this 4Runner was owned by a more mature caretaker who either didn’t care about the open air option, or didn’t have the means to repeatedly remove and replace the heavy top. What would you be willing to pay for a clean first-gen 4Runner?
There is a reason these have developed a strong following that is willing to spend up to buy one of these when they show up in this condition. The design on these early 4 Runners was well thought out and they were reliable.
The seller has figured out how to sell on eBay, which isn’t rocket science. Find a quality item, take good pictures then write a clear and concise ad. This is the 9th truck they have sold over the last 3 months.
Steve R
An SR5 option package with manual windows? Must have been a Canada thing
This the same one that was on Barn Finds at the end of last year?
VIN: JT4RN62S0G0015697 Year: 1986
Number of Cylinders: 4
Model: 4Runner
Trim: SR5
Drive Type: 4X4
Options: 4-Wheel Drive
Mileage: 106,370
Sub Model: 4X4 SR5
Exterior Color: Red
link to old posting?
Found the post. Nope. not the same truck. For starters one is an auto the other is a stick. The list goes on.
Searching the VIN shows it was listed on eBay last month by the same seller. It also shows that at some point in the past, probably several years ago, the car was listed for sale by a broker in Canada, that’s where the 106,xxx miles comes from. The bidding is about where one would expect it to be, this is a good find and will likely make the next owner happy.
Steve R
Great vehicle. I had the SR5 version of the 1986 Xtra-Cab Pickup. Mine was bought off of a dealer lot (in Ohio), SR5 package, 5 speed manual, 2.4 EFI, manual windows, variable PS, and no AC. I had the dealer remove the funky graphic decals from the hood and sides (just my taste). Gas mileage is pretty good. This is a nice specimen.
Hmmm, thought the sunrise stripes were only offered 84 & 85. All my 86’s had the more horizontal stripes on them.
My ’86 PU had the horizontal strips as well. Actually I like the “sunrise strips” as you call them much better than the horizontal.
Interesting that it does not have wing windows. My 87 had them and it was my understanding that they were standard until 88. Very nice Runner. Too bad it has the automatic. Mine was also and lacked power when needed. It is the primary reason I sold it.
Good point on the wing window and stripes. My 86 was a USA version, but came from Guam with no stripes. It had wing windows. Again, I think these variations are because it was a Canada model. I see these little differences all the time between USDM and CDM in the Supra community. Mine is at https://imgur.com/a/Lxjq9IK
These didn’t last here in PA because of what PENNDot used to de-ice the roads. You’ll have to wait for the spring rains to clean the roads off before driving it.
20 years ago you could buy these all day long at $2500. I had 2. Guess I should’ve hung on to them. Had a gold one, & a blue one.
I installed a ton of rear seat&carpet kits in these back in the day for Larry Miller Toyota, also did lift kits and ground-effect packages for the 2wd pickups. Great vehicles whose quality and features really stood out then, not so much now.
I had the blue base model and backed into a sign pole doing less than 5 Mph.and the tin foil rear bumper did nothing so I had a nice crease in the rear tailgate.$1,200 to get repaired back then and no back seat either.
This isn’t an SR5 and from a previous comment it sounds like its a Canadian truck, so it’s in Kilometers. SR5 would have different seats, an inclinometer, a sunroof, and these are the wrong graphics for the year. Shady
Great 4-Runner, I bought a “Canada Thing” last year. 1991 4-Runner 4 cal auto, 100,000 km. In exceptional condition, 1 owner & garage kept by retired Toyota Mechanic. I didn’t need it . . . but I couldn’t leave it there ha ha